Chapter 242

Ethan Sullivan's voice was laced with frost, each syllable carrying a biting chill.

Evelyn Sullivan's spine stiffened instantly. As she turned, the belt of her bathrobe nearly whipped across Ethan's face. Recognition flickered in her eyes.

"How did you get in?"

His lips curled into a mocking smile. "Did I interrupt something important?" He took a step forward. "Or were you expecting someone else?"

Evelyn averted her gaze.

He seized her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Answer me."

She slapped his hand away, the collar of her robe slipping slightly. "Your memory fails you, Mr. Sullivan. We agreed not to interfere in each other's lives." She adjusted her robe. "Who I wait for is none of your concern."

Ethan's eyes darkened, and a low chuckle escaped him.

"You're right." He leisurely undid his cufflinks. "I overstepped."

As Evelyn turned to leave, he pinned her against the wall.

The minty kiss stole her breath. Only when his scorching palm pressed against her lower back did she shove him away, gasping.

"Enough," she said, voice unsteady. "We're done for tonight."

Ethan arched a brow. "What exactly do you think just happened?"

Following her gaze to the scattered clothes on the floor, realization dawned. "You vomited on me. I just changed."

Evelyn finally noticed the faint scent of alcohol lingering in the air.

"Move. I need to shower."

"Together."

Before she could protest, he swept her into his arms. Skin met skin, sending a shiver through them both.

As water rose to her collarbone in the tub, Evelyn's ears burned red. "Get out!"

Ethan shrugged off his robe with one hand. "Might as well wash again."

His kiss was relentless, demanding. Evelyn resisted at first, but soon melted under his touch. Water sloshed over the tub's edge, splattering onto the tiles.

When he carried her back to bed, even her fingertips were flushed pink.

"Your hair's still wet," he said, reaching for the hairdryer.

Evelyn buried her face in the pillow. "Leave."

The warm air lulled her toward sleep—until the mattress dipped. She opened her eyes to find Ethan's intense gaze.

"Go to the guest room," she said coldly.

His expression hardened. "Throw me away after using me?"

She pulled the covers higher. "Don't forget, Mr. Sullivan. Ours is strictly a transactional relationship."